As illustrated by two recent decisions, the courts in the past decade have demarcated wide boundaries for school officials considering dress codes, whether in the form of selective prohibitions or required uniforms. Administrators must warn the community, provide legitimate justification and reasonable clarity, and comply with state law. (MLH)

Since the mid-1980s, judicial decisions have broadened school authorities' discretion to restrict student expression (in oral and written communications, grooming, and attire). The category of protected student expression has eroded. Despite replacement of the "Tinker" presumption favoring student expression with one favoring validity of…